The fidget spinner is a global phenomenon that has inspired thinkpieces about
cultural anxiety
, the changing
retail landscape
, and above all, whether or not it should be
allowed in the classroom
. Many teachers have embraced the toy as a tool for kids with attention problems but we have some bad news: They're evolving.

Some
research
has suggested that the fidget toys really do improve the performance of students with ADHD. Parents have
flipped out
when schools tried to ban them. And if you need any further proof of the growing acceptance of the toys as a learning aid, just check out this classroom worksheet that's distributed by
Your Modern Family
:

Image: Your Modern Family

If the worksheet's purpose is unclear, the kid is encouraged to place their fidget spinner at the top, give it a flick, and then complete as many arithmetic problems as possible before it stops spinning.

The
Spaztix Programmable Customizable LED Long Spinning Fidget Finger Spinner
(ugh) allows users to display text messages and colorful patterns on it by sending commands from an Android phone app. So teachers can deal with confiscating phones, as well as explaining why this spinner isn't allowed, but the others are totally kosher. My favorite part of this variant is that it's still sticking with the message that it's good for you. It's Amazon listing insists that you shouldn't "be deceived by their fun looks; these spinning fidget toys are actually backed by science! By feeding your brain extra sensory information, you redirect your mental resources from whatever else you may be thinking to the task at hand."

Statistics blog
FiveThirtyEight
declared the spinner boom officially over, just yesterday. It seems safe to say this flashing, phone-connected, potential cheat machine is the final nail in the coffin.